Real Madrid squandered an opportunity on Sunday. Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid slipped two points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after they could only draw 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao in their final game of the year.
Real's top scorer Karim Benzema had a shot cleared off the line in a lively first half from both sides while Toni Kroos, plus substitutes Nacho Fernandez and Luka Jovic all hit the woodwork on a frustrating evening at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Athletic, who beat champions Barca earlier this season, gave an astute performance in defence and also gave their hosts a few scares, with Kenan Kodro having a goal ruled out for offside and Inaki Williams forcing Thibaut Courtois to make a diving save.
It was Real's third draw in a row after 1-1 and 0-0 stalemates away to Valencia and Barca. They are second in the standings on 37 points after 18 games, two behind Barca who beat Alaves 4-1 on Saturday. Athletic are seventh with 28.
Source: espn.co.uk